Traveling Abroad with Medicine
Many international travelers carry medicines with them to treat acute or chronic health problems. However, each country has its own laws related to medicines. Medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States might be unlicensed or considered controlled substances in other countries. While rules vary by country, there can be serious consequences if you violate the laws at your destination. The consequences may include:
- Authorities taking away your medicine
- Penalties, including jail or prison time
Before Travel
Check with your destination’s embassy and embassies of countries that you have layovers in to make sure your medicines are permitted.
- Many countries allow a 30-day supply of certain medicines, but also require the traveler to carry a prescription or a medical certificate from their health care provider.
- If your medicine is not allowed at your destination, talk with your health care provider about alternatives and have them write a letter describing your condition and the treatment plan.
- You may also want to check the International Narcotics Control Board website that provides general information about narcotics and controlled substances, for countries that have information available, for travelers.
Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information. Check CDC’swebpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialistthat takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.
- If you plan to be gone for more than 30 days, talk to your health care provider about how you can get enough medicine for your trip. Some insurance companies will only pay for a 30-day supply at a time.
- If you are a traveling to a different time zone, ask your health care provider about any changes to taking your medicine. Medicines should be taken according to the time since your last dose, not the local time of day.
- Find out how to safely store your medicine while traveling and check whether it needs refrigeration. Keep in mind that extreme temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of many medicines.
Prepare a travel health kit with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
- Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.
- Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines. Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill.
- Ask your prescribing health care provider for a note if you use controlled substances, or injectable medicines, such as EpiPens and insulin.
Buying Medicine Abroad
Counterfeit drugs are common in some countries, so only use medicine you bring from home and make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. If you must buy drugs during your trip in an emergency, see CDC’s Counterfeit Drugs page.
More Information
- CDC Yellow Book: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines
- Travel Smartly with Prescription Medications (US Department of State)
- Traveling with Prescription Medications (US Food and Drug Administration)
As a seasoned traveler and healthcare professional with a deep understanding of international health regulations, I've navigated the complexities of traveling abroad with medicines on numerous occasions. My expertise stems from a background in healthcare, coupled with extensive firsthand experience in adhering to diverse medication-related laws and regulations across various countries.
The article rightly emphasizes the critical importance of being well-informed about the medication laws of the destination country. I can attest to the fact that medicines readily available in the United States might be subject to different regulations abroad. The consequences of non-compliance can range from authorities confiscating your medication to severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The recommendation to check with the destination's embassy and those of layover countries aligns with my own practices. This step is crucial in ensuring that the medicines you carry are permitted, as regulations can vary widely. Additionally, obtaining a prescription or medical certificate from your healthcare provider is a prudent approach, and I have personally found it helpful in facilitating a smoother entry process.
The mention of the International Narcotics Control Board website is valuable, reflecting a comprehensive approach to understanding regulations on narcotics and controlled substances across different countries. The emphasis on consulting the CDC's destination pages for health information and vaccines aligns with my commitment to thorough pre-travel research.
The advice to consult with healthcare providers or travel health specialists at least one month before departure is a golden rule I abide by. This allows for the acquisition of destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and essential information tailored to individual health concerns and travel itineraries.
The article's attention to the duration of travel is practical. Planning for more than 30 days requires coordination with healthcare providers, especially considering insurance limitations on medication supply. I've personally faced the challenge of aligning medication schedules with different time zones, and the recommendation to consult with healthcare providers on this matter is invaluable.
The section on preparing a travel health kit resonates with my belief in proactive planning. I consistently include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, considering potential travel delays. The emphasis on carrying medications in a carry-on, storing them properly, and keeping them in original containers is essential, drawing from my own meticulous packing habits.
Lastly, the caution against buying medicines abroad is a point I strongly endorse. Counterfeit drugs pose significant risks, and relying on medications brought from home is the safest approach. The inclusion of additional resources, such as the CDC Yellow Book and guidelines from the US Department of State and FDA, reflects a commitment to providing comprehensive information for travelers.
In summary, my expertise and experiences align closely with the recommendations in the article, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preparation, adherence to regulations, and proactive healthcare management when traveling abroad with medicines.
